Metro LGUS to provide free rides to commuters; classes not suspended
The Taguig City government said it is ready to deploy vehicles to provide “libreng sakay” (free rides) to people during the planned nationwide transport strike from Nov. 20 to 22.
Members of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON) will be holding the transport strike to protest the government’s planned jeepney modernization program.
“Nakahanda ang pamahalaang lungsod kung kakailanganing magbigay ng libreng sakay sa mga ruta na maaapektuhan ng nakaambang na tigil-pasada sa Nobyembre 20-22, 2023 (The city government is ready, if needed, to provide free rides along routes that will be affected by the transport strike on November 20-22, 2023),” the city government posted on Facebook.
PISTON is protesting the government’s imposition of the Dec. 31 deadline for the application for franchise consolidation under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP).
PISTON National President Mody Floranda said the group is not satisfied with the recent proposed amendments to the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines (OFG), adding that their demands to repeal the franchise consolidation component of the program and suspend the entire PUVMP have not been met.
PISTON demands the following:
Scrap the franchise consolidation requirement and allow those who previously complied to withdraw their individual franchises.
Restore the five-year franchises for all PUVS and all modified PUV routes.
Provide immediate cash aid and reasonable financial support for all affected PUV drivers and small operators.
Uphold the right to freedom of association and respect the right to strike.
Implement a pro-people just transition in public transport modernization anchored on a program of local and national industrialization instead of overly relying on imported vehicles.
The Taguig City government said for those who have questions or need assistance, they may call the Command Center at (02)87893200 or go to the City Assistance Desk in the following hubs/stations:
District 1
1. Bagumbayan – (Dulo)
2. Cayetano Blvd. – (Global Gas Station)
3. Sta. Ana – (Plaza)
4. Napindan – (Police Station)
District 2
5. DOST – (Kanto)
6. Tenement – (Caltex Station)
7. Waterfun – (JODA Terminal)
8. Diego Silang – (Petron)
9. Gate 3 - (Terminal)
10. Market! Market! – (Common Terminal)
11. Arca South – (Common Terminal)
EMBOS
12. Pateros Bridge (J.P. Rizal)
13. Uptown (BGC, Kalayaan) Caloocan, Quezon City
The Caloocan City government and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced that they will deploy vehicles to provide free rides to help commuters during the threeday nationwide transport strike from Nov. 20 to 22.
The strike will be conducted by transport groups, led by Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON), on the said dates as a protest to the national government's public utility vehicles (PUV) modernization program.
"In light of the impending transport strike, the QCPD force is ready to provide a helping hand to our fellow Qcitizens. We understand the challenges they may face in reaching their destinations, and we want to alleviate that burden by offering free rides during this period of disruption," QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said on Sunday, Nov. 19.
QCPD said it has mobilized a dedicated team and prepared 25 vehicles that will be deployed in strategic areas in the city to help ferry stranded passengers.
It said the free rides will be accessible to commuters who will be affected by transport strikes on different routes including Quirino Highway LTO going to Quirino Hill Top; Quezon Avenue to Munoz; QH-T. Sora to Qh-minda; T. Sora to Minda; Novaliches Bayan to Mindanao Avenue cor. Quirino Highway; Sta. Lucia/community Regalado; P. Tuazon Boulevard to 20th Avenue; Edsa Kamias to Projects 2 and 3; ERMIN/EDSA; QA/ Roces; Qa/borromeo; EDSA/QA; Matalino/matatag; Gates 1 and 2, QC Hall; and Commonwealth corner T. Sora.
It added that QCPD personnel will also conduct foot, mobile, motorcycle, and checkpoint patrols to preempt illegal activities and ensure peace and order.
The Caloocan City government announced on Saturday, Nov. 18, that it deployed 70 rescue vehicles to provide safe and free rides to commuters during the three-day transport strike.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan said he also directed the Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMD) at the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), and the city police to assist residents and commuters in need.
The city government said it will be deploying personnel in established stations in different areas of the city to monitor the transport strike and provide aid to commuters.
Malapitan reminded the city residents to coordinate with the local government in case of emergencies.
The contact numbers of the city government, as well as the team leaders of the personnel who will be deployed at the stations during the transport strike, are posted on the city's official Facebook page.
The PUV modernization program requires the phase-out of traditional jeepneys which will be replaced by environmentfriendly vehicles. Parañaque City
Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered the deployment of vehicles to assist commuters who will be stranded due to three-day transport strike by PISTON.
Olivarez said classes in the city, both in public and private schools, are not suspended, including work in the government and private offices.
He said the city government will not conduct the regular flag-raising ceremony today due to the transport strike.
Olivarez said the government vehicles to be deployed will go around the city’s major thoroughfares to help stranded commuters.
He said the “Libreng Sakay” will pass along Dr. A. Santos Avenue or Sucat Road going to Baclaran, Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Quirino Avenue and at East and West Service Road.